Leviticus 1-7

Introduction to Leviticus

WHO: Both tradition and, more importantly, Jesus declare the author to be Moses (Matt 8:4)
WHAT: It's basically a handbook for the priests
WHERE: These instructions were delivered at the base of Sinai and/or in the new tabernacle
WHEN: Not long after the conclusion of the Book of Exodus
WHY STUDY: It shows us the complexity of the sin problem and teaches us about holiness

The 1st 7 chapters describe the 5 different kinds of offerings

1. Burnt offerings
This offering involved the slaughter and burning of a male animal w/o defect. The worshiper would bring that sacrifice, place his hand on its head (transferring his sin to the animal), and then slaughter the creature (showing the just punishment for sin). At this point the priest would, by and large, take over the ceremony of sprinkling and burning.

2. Grain offerings
This was the only non-animal offering. It involved flour and oil which could be offered prepared or unprepared. A small portion was offered to the Lord and the rest went to the priests. No yeast was to be involved, but salt was an important ingredient.

3. Fellowship offerings
The fellowship offering was sometimes a male animal, but sometimes a female animal (both w/o defect). Like the burnt offering, the human hand was placed on the head of the animal before the slaughter. This offering was given freely for thanks or as a result of a vow. Once again, the priests were allowed and expected to make use of the leftovers (with the exception of fat and blood).

4. Sin offerings
This was for unintentional sins. The process was similar (hand on head --> slaughter). For the first time in these descriptions, this type of offerings is not described as having a 'pleasing aroma' to the Lord. This seems to indicate that dealing with sin is a necessary but ugly work.

5. Guilt offerings
This seems almost entirely similar to the sin offerings, but this type seems to have compensation for sin more in mind. Restitution was necessary. This was also not a 'pleasing aroma' to the Lord.

Without describing all the detail of each offering and ritual, it may be enough to say that they are complex b/c the sin problem is great. They are gruesome b/c sin is ugly. They are bloody b/c sin involves death. Despite the complexity, all of these types of offerings are fulfilled with Jesus' 1 sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Romans 8:3, Isaiah 53:10). In essence, the entire complex book of Leviticus is fulfilled on 1 day by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:33, Romans 3:25, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 5:1, 7:27, 9:9).